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The Importance of Having an Annual Physical

The Importance of Having an Annual Physical

About 60% of Americans have at least one chronic disease, and early detection helps avoid complications, some of which can be life-threatening. Annual physicals are the answer, ensuring everything is running smoothly and catching early signs of health concerns before they negatively affect your quality of life. 

Visit our primary care experts at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas, to schedule yearly physicals by calling the office or booking online.

5 Benefits of annual physicals

The following are the benefits you can expect when scheduling annual physicals at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie:

1. Longer life expectancy

Studies suggest lower rates of all-cause deaths in individuals who attend annual physical exams. Physicals can extend your life expectancy by detecting potentially life-threatening diseases before they cause concerns like advanced-stage cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke. 

Examples of diseases contributing to the top causes of death in the United States include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lower respiratory diseases, liver disease, kidney problems, and Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection helps avoid disease-related complications. 

2. Preventive care options

Annual physicals offer opportunities to receive preventive care, including vaccinations, medically supervised weight management, dietary supplement advice, and birth control for women. 

Preventive care helps keep you healthy, reducing the risk of developing costly or long-lasting medical complications. In other words, preventive care can save you time and money in the long run. 

3. Disease screening

Early disease detection helps prevent bothersome symptoms and the risk of serious medical concerns. Your provider uses noninvasive, painless health screenings to detect high cholesterol, high blood pressure, nerve problems, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, thyroid disease, and other chronic conditions before they become life-threatening.

4. Improved mental well-being

Nearly one-fourth of Americans have a mental health disorder, which can affect their mood, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. 

Annual physicals allow your primary care provider the opportunity to screen for depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, dementia, and other concerns affecting mental health. This allows you to get the treatment needed to thrive. 

5. Peace of mind

Getting a clean bill of health via annual physicals at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie offers you peace of mind. Our medical experts are always available to address questions and concerns you may have about your physical or mental well-being.

You won’t need to spend time worrying about potential problems, as you’ll have all the answers about your health. You’ll maintain a close relationship with your primary care specialist, who prioritizes you as a whole person (mind, body, and soul); you’ll never feel like just a number.

What to expect during annual physicals

During annual physicals at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie, your provider evaluates your body weight, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs. 

They perform a physical exam to screen for potential health concerns. Your primary care specialist evaluates your eyes, throat, breathing, heartbeat, reflexes, limbs, abdomen, neck, and other areas.

You may undergo vision and hearing screenings, as well as lab testing, heart or lung function tests, and imaging procedures if necessary. 

The Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie experts offer breast and pelvic exams (including Pap smears) to women and prostate exams to men. 

If you have an illness, injury, or chronic disease, your primary care provider discusses treatment options and provides referrals when appropriate.

Schedule annual physicals today at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie. Simply contact us by phone or book an appointment online.

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